Published on May 09, 2025

Bronson Healthcare team receiving 2025 Business & Industry Partner Award from Kalamazoo RESA

Bronson Healthcare Named 2025 Business & Industry Partner of the Year by Kalamazoo RESA

KRESA presented the award during its annual spring awards celebration, highlighting Bronson’s deep involvement in career exploration, hands-on learning and support for career readiness initiatives. Emily Miley, organizational development and learning specialist, and Lauren Carney, student and university relations coordinator, accepted the award and were recognized for their deep commitment to students in our community.

“Bronson’s partnership—this year and for many years—has been nothing short of exceptional,” said KRESA community engagement liaison Kelsey McKague during the ceremony.

A Shared Commitment to Real-World Learning

Bronson team members support a wide range of KRESA programs that help students explore career options, build valuable skills and connect with mentors. Highlights of the partnership include:

  • Leadership in MiCareerQuest Southwest: Bronson has played a key leadership role in this annual career exploration event since its inception. The event brings together more than 4,000 eighth-grade students from Kalamazoo and Calhoun counties to explore careers through interactive exhibits. Bronson sponsors and staffs multiple booths that showcase healthcare and IT careers.
  • Job Shadowing & Internships: Bronson provides students in healthcare career pathways with real-world learning through shadowing, internships and summer programs that build workforce readiness and confidence.
  • Program Development Support: Bronson team members serve on advisory committees and have provided input into the design of the new KRESA Career Connect Campus, a state-of-the-art career and technical education (CTE) facility set to open in the fall of 2025.
  • Community Engagement Opportunities: Through programs like MyCITY and CareerNOW, Bronson offers paid internships, career exploration days and connections to healthcare professionals. These programs help youth ages 14–24 explore careers, gain employability skills and take their first steps into the workforce.
  • STEM & Technology Initiatives: Bronson supports STEM outreach through events like the STEM Expo at the Kalamazoo Growlers and the mobile Discovery Lab.

A Partnership with Purpose

“Our relationship with KRESA reflects Bronson’s long-term commitment to building a stronger, healthier future for our region,” said Cheryl Johnson, Bronson Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer. “By working together to support students, we’re not only preparing the next generation of healthcare workers — we’re strengthening the communities we serve.”

Bronson is proud to be recognized for this important partnership and grateful to all those who share their time and expertise to help students succeed.

To learn more about student internships, healthcare job shadowing, and mentorship programs at Bronson, contact student.experiences@bronsonhg.org.